4 ways to find your professional calling after college

Are you done with college but are still confused about what you really want to do?

This is a common problem youngsters face due to the plethora of job opportunities available along with the choice of being able to multitask. However, at some point you need to decide what you actually want to do for a living even if you are confused or hesitant about certain skills or options.

Here are a few ways in which you can find out what you actually want to do:

1. Varied internships

Instead of applying for a job or a higher degree straight away, you can choose to do a number of small internships for short time durations in different areas. You can also choose to volunteer with social groups such as Lha in Dharamshala or do choose to teach children in Kashmir. This will help you in building your resume and also find something you really love to do. Even if it doesn’t serve the latter purpose, you will have experiences and memories which will last you a lifetime.

2. SWOT analysis

If you are confused between two or more courses or jobs after college, you can always perform a SWOT analysis. In this analysis, you need to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each option. In the end you can choose the one with the maximum number of strengths and opportunities or the one with the least weaknesses or threats. Either way, this analysis helps you discover a lot more about your options and yourself.

3. Consider the work environment

Not everyone is capable of working a 9-5 job in a cubicle in a building for 365 days a year. Some people crave thrill and adrenaline which the corporate life in incapable of giving them. Thus, before opting for a particular kind of job, identify the environment you will be most comfortable working in.

Read the job description and the specifications thoroughly before deciding if you want to take up a certain job.

4. Do not follow somebody else’s dreams

Instead of following your parents’ dream of wanting you to become a surgeon, try and be honest to yourself and ask yourself “Do I really want to do this?” before taking up any job. You cannot please everyone and in the attempt, you do not want to be the only one who remains dissatisfied. Once you start following your heart, it will definitely lead you to where you are supposed to be.